Virginia Esther Gonzales
Virginia Esther Gonzales (Verdugo), a cherished matriarch, devout woman of faith, and dedicated community member, passed away peacefully on Oct. 6, 2025, just shy of her 101st birthday. Born on October 31, 1924, in Mesa, she was 100 years and 11 months old. Virginia leaves behind a powerful legacy of love, faith, and family that spanned five generations. Virginia was the daughter of the late Bruno and Guadalupe Verdugo.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Frank (Kiko) Gonzales; her parents; her son, Harold Ortiz; four brothers and two sisters.
Virginia’s love is carried on by her sons, Frank Gonzales, Bruno Gonzales (Grace), and Michael Gonzales (Gail). She was the proud grandmother of 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind special family friends, Rosie and Jackie Marquez and countless nieces, nephews, and friends.
Her earliest years were spent in Sombrero Butte, where, in a touching testament to the strength of community, she started school at the age of five to ensure enough students for the one-room schoolhouse. At age six, she and her family moved to Mammoth, where she was a member of one of the original families of Mammoth.
Virginia’s life was defined by service and strength. During World War II, at the age of 18, she proudly worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” at the Goodyear Plant in Phoenix, contributing to the war effort. Upon returning to Mammoth, she continued to work diligently at the Mammoth Post Office, Davis Groceries, and Barney’s Grocery Store.
A devout Catholic, Virginia dedicated countless hours to the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church as a Catechism Teacher and a loyal Member of the Altar Society, instilling a deep and lasting love for God in her family and community.
Above all, Virginia was the glue that kept her family together. Her enduring strength and commitment shone brightest in her marriage of 65 years to her beloved, the late Frank (Kiko) Gonzales. Virginia’s long, impactful life will be forever remembered as a testament to faith, hard work, and the unwavering power of family.
Viewing, Rosary, Funeral Mass for Virginia Gonzales will be held on Friday, Oct. 17, at Blessed Sacrament Parish, located at 122 Church Dr. in Mammoth (85618) starting at 11:30 a.m. She will be laid to rest at Mammoth’s Valley View Cemetery.